The 5 Best Toronto Neighbourhoods

Finding the right neighbourhood for is just as important as finding the right property. You want to find an area that supports your lifestyle. That means considering factors like community, walkability, amenities, transit, schools, and accessibility.

Weighing the pros and cons across all the different areas around Toronto, here’s a list of the Top 5 Neighbourhoods in Toronto that check all the boxes!

5) Lawrence Park North / Bedford Park

Kicking off the list is Lawrence Park North, otherwise known as Bedford Park. A family-friendly residential neighbourhood, Bedford Park is nicely accessible to the walkable strip along Yonge Street. It’s a coveted area for many commuters and professionals working in the downtown core looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood for their kids. Commuting-wise, it’s just along the Yonge subway line, which makes getting into the city easily accessible. It also has some top-rated schools with plenty of green space. I highly recommend checking out Sunnybrook Park, where you can take the kids horseback riding.

4) Trinity Bellwoods

Moving further south in the heart of the city lies another top pick of mine: Trinity Bellwoods. In terms of access to amenities, restaurants, shops, and nightlife, this truly has it all. You’re often just a quick street car or walk away from the bountiful options available to you in this area. It’s hip, it’s full of young families, and young couples. It’s a great place not only to enjoy but live in the hustle and bustle of Toronto.

3) North Riverdale / Playter Estates

Heading back a little northeast, Playter Estates / North Riverdale is also a personal favourite. From a commuting perspective, this area is a top consideration for many downtown commuters looking for quick access into the city given both the Gerrard streetcar and Danforth subway. With top-rated schools and access to so many parks, including Broadview Park and Withrow Park, it also makes it a favourite for many families.

2) Bloor West / High Park

Nearing the top of my list is High Park / Bloor West. I strongly considered this neighbourhood when my family and I bought our most recent house. Access to the Bloor Street subway and all the shops and retail options along the Bloor West Village strip make this area a perfect spot for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. And High Park itself is beautiful. It is easy to get out there to enjoy and walk around. And the schools there are amazing.

1) The Beaches

When I factored in my choices, there are two things that I really considered when looking at neighbourhoods. One is the community. The feel, the closeness, the connection within the neighbourhood. Two, a very usable and walkable strip. I'm the type of person who likes to get up, walk and get my coffee as the perfect start to the day, so a retail strip was really important to me. With its Queen East strip and accessibility to the waterfront, The Beach comes in as my top neighbourhood in Toronto. It ticks all the boxes in terms of accessibility and abundance. Along Queen Street East, you can find mom-and-pop shops, local eateries, grocery stores, coffee shops, and beloved haunts. But The Beaches also has that outdoor living lifestyle. A walk down the street means you can sit on the beach, enjoy dinner with the family, have a picnic, and stroll down the boardwalk. On top of that, one of my biggest criteria was great schools, and the Beaches is known for its schools.

But what are your thoughts? Did I miss your favourite neighbourhood? Let me know in the comments below!